News & market updates

Sri Lanka's forex inflows were US$2,337m in September (down from US$2,521m in August) while imports rose to US$2,048m, leaving a US$289m surplus. Vehicle and fuel import increases drove the shift and analysts warn fiscal-buffer use or liquidity injections could erode reserves and pressure the rupee and rates.

The Colombo Stock Exchange held the 7th CSE Masterminds Quiz, with Acuity Knowledge Partners (Team 2) winning the grand cash prize of Rs. 1,000,000. Sector winners included Dialog Finance (Leasing & Finance), John Keells Stock Brokers (Stock Brokering) and NDB Wealth Management, and many listed firms participated as sponsors.

CISI Chair Michael Cole Fontayn highlighted CISI's partnerships — including an MoU with the Association of Accounting Technicians and a collaboration with the University of Colombo — to expand professional qualifications and ethical AI training for Sri Lanka's financial services sector.

Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) hosted the GABV Asia‑Pacific Chapter Meeting in Colombo on 15–16 October, bringing together more than 20 values-based financial institutions. SDF highlighted its issuance of Sri Lanka’s first sustainable rate-linked bond, which was fully subscribed within hours.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC appointed Nandika Buddhipala as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Buddhipala has over 35 years' experience in banking and finance and was CFO of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC for 17 years until May 2025.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF.N0000) will host the GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting 2025 in Colombo on 15–16 October. The two-day meeting will focus on Value-Based Banking, SME finance, sustainable agriculture and the use of AI, with CEOs from 20+ member banks attending.

Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) will host the Global Alliance for Banking on Values Asia-Pacific meeting in Colombo on Oct 15-16 to focus on AI and climate change and their impacts on value-based banking, particularly for SME finance.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will host the GABV Asia‑Pacific Chapter Meeting in Colombo on 15–16 October 2025, bringing CEOs and senior leaders from member banks to discuss value‑based banking, SME finance and the use of AI in sustainable finance.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC's listed debenture offer was oversubscribed on opening day, with applications exceeding Rs. 2 billion. SDF issued 10 million five-year Tier-2 listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable high-yield sustainable bonds of Rs.100 each to raise Rs.1 billion, with an option to issue an equal oversubscription amount; allotment details will be notified to the CSE.

Colombo Stock Exchange will host the 7th CSE Masterminds Quiz on 17 October 2025, offering prizes worth over Rs. 3.5 million (champion Rs.1,000,000; 2nd Rs.500,000; 3rd Rs.375,000). Sponsors from the shortlist include Ex-Pack, Sarvodaya Development Finance, Alliance Finance, Teejay Lanka, NDB (via NDB Capital) and HNB Investment Bank.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will open a Rs.1 billion listed Tier-2 debenture issue on 8 October comprising 10 million five-year sustainable bonds at Rs.100 each (option to raise to Rs.2 billion if oversubscribed). Two fixed-rate options are offered — Type A 12% annual and Type B 11.66% semi-annual (both AER 12%); proceeds will strengthen Tier-2 capital and the issue matures in 2030.

Colombo Stock Exchange will hold the 7th CSE Masterminds Quiz on 17 October 2025 offering over Rs. 3.5 million in prizes; sponsors include listed firms such as Teejay Lanka (TJL.N0000), Hatton National Bank (HNB.N0000), Alliance Finance (ALLI.N0000), Sarvodaya DF (SDF.N0000), Ex-Pack (PACK.N0000) and NDB (NDB.N0000).

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC completed an Agri-Innovate immersion at Kasetsart University to improve value-chain finance, product design and risk controls for agri-MSMEs. The programme will inform sharper value-chain mapping, targeted working-capital/equipment finance and stronger portfolio monitoring.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC secured a $4 million senior loan facility from Triple Jump funded by ASN Microkredietpool (AMP). The funds will be disbursed in tranches to support housing finance for daily wage earners, sustainable agriculture for smallholder farmers, and village-based and women-led enterprises.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF.N0000) installed the first ATM at the Tea Research Institute in Thalawakale, providing formal banking access to over 5,000 tea estate families. The ATM enables local cash withdrawals, account services and broader digital financial inclusion for estate workers.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC installed the first ATM at the Tea Research Institute in Thalawakale, providing formal banking access to over 5,000 tea estate families. The ATM aims to improve financial inclusion, reduce travel/time costs, and support digital transactions for estate communities.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF.N0000) sent 31 high-performing employees on a four-day learning tour to Thailand as a reward and leadership development initiative. The trip is intended to broaden exposure and bring insights back to improve service in Sri Lanka's rural markets.

NDB Bank has appointed Akila Bogahawatta as its dedicated remittance representative in Dubai to strengthen remittance support for Sri Lankan expatriates. The bank promotes multiple channels (Western Union, NDB Qik Remittance), global partners and a Remit Saver Account with digital tracking and preferential rates.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF.N0000) sent 31 high-performing employees on a four-day learning tour to Thailand as part of its talent development and recognition programme following Achievers’ Night 2025.

NDB appointed Akila Bogahawatta as its Dubai remittance representative to strengthen remittance services for Sri Lankan expatriates. The bank highlighted multiple channels and global partners (Western Union, Federal Exchange, UREMIT, Mastercard), agent partners including Sarvodaya Development Finance and CDB Finance, and products such as NDB Qik Remittance and the Remit Saver Account.

Dividend · Rs 1.25 · XD Jul 8, 2025

Final dividend of LKR 1.25/share; XD 2025-07-08; record 2025-07-08; payable 2025-07-25; FY Ended 31st March 2025

Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF.N0000) reported record FY2024/25 results with Profit Before Tax doubling to LKR 1,139 mn and Profit After Tax up 89.8% to LKR 473.8 mn, driven by a 31.5% rise in total income and 51.3% growth in total assets.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) reported record FY2024/25 results: Profit Before Tax doubled to Rs. 1,139 million and Profit After Tax rose 89.8% to Rs. 473.8 million. Total income was LKR 4.37bn (↑31.5%), total assets LKR 22.5bn (↑51.3%) and NAV/share rose to Rs. 26.36.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) held its 'Achievers' Night 2025', honouring top performers with over 600 staff attending. SDF said it achieved full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and posted strong financial performance in FY 2024/25.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF.N0000) held its 'Achievers' Night 2025' on 10 May to honour top staff and reported a strong financial performance for FY 2024/25. The company also gained full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and rewarded top performers with foreign exposure tours.

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will issue Sri Lanka's first-ever Sustainable Bonds to raise Rs.2 billion via up to 20 million Tier 2 rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable bonds at Rs.100 each, subject to regulatory approval. Coupon frequency and interest rates will be set close to Trust Deed finalisation based on prevailing market rates.